November 2017

This past year was crucial in more ways than one. Politically, it felt turbulent. Personally, it was decidedly the most I'd worked out, ever (probably in response to the former). Though I'm not a stranger to fitness (I'd participate in yoga, barre, pilates, and HIIT regularly), running has never been my forte. Sprints, sure, but long distance running? Nah. My brain would get immensely bored... though I've come to realize that long distance running probably utilizes more will power than the other workouts I normally do. In any case, I'd felt a mental blockage for so long and figured I needed to challenge myself in an area that I knew was good for me, but didn't like. My boyfriend signed me up for a 5K and started training me about 30 days prior to the race. There were many times I'd wanted to cut my runs short (even on race day haha) or give up on the idea altogether, but I'm glad I persisted (or rather glad that I have a persistent boyfriend lol). It's nice knowing that what was once thought nearly impossible is now completely doable, especially with an action plan that works for you. For anyone who's been on the fence about getting into a good running groove, here are a few things that helped me get into it:

1. Get a running buddy. Generally I like doing most things alone, but running with a friend is a good way to keep yourself accountable. If you have it in you, conversing while jogging also helps take your mind off of the dread that sometimes creeps in ;) set your goals and communicate them to each other.

2. If you don't have a buddy at all times, I've found that running equipped with a great playlist, your phone/Nike+ running app (secured in an armband), and wireless headphones, is also just as helpful. Competition gets me stirred up (in a good way) so having the Nike+ app tell me what I'm clocking in at each mile is music to my ears. Additionally, a pumped up playlist always amps me and sets a good tone for working out. It takes my mind off of the hundred other things I would otherwise have going through my mind. Sometimes all you need to finish your run is a good distraction.

3. Set up a plan, set attainable finish times. Because I wasn't accustomed to long distance running, my boyfriend wanted to start off easy and work our way into running the entire distance all the way through. For example, the first stint of the 10+ days I'd trained, I would run for three minutes, walk one, and repeat until I'd clocked in at least 20 minutes. In the next two or three days, I'd up it by running four minutes, walking one and repeating for again a total of 20 minutes. Each two or three days I was able to lengthen the duration of each interval-- 3 minute runs turned into 10 minute cruises, and soon after they'd become 20, and so forth. Happy to share my complete plan if you are genuinely interested- email me!

4. It's helpful to have a watch for your plan (above), especially to begin with! I used this NVL Studios Gatekeeper watch to keep track of my minutes. The face is big enough to distinguish between minutes and it's also aesthetically pleasing so you could wear it while exercising or even out just casually. Love the sleek finish and clean lines; also comes in gold.

5. Find a cause you support and stand (read: run) behind it! Having a meaningful cause to train for is more likely to keep you motivated.

6. Find athletic wear that you feel flatters you! This falls lower on the scale of importance, but it matters for some and I think I've definitely grown more inspired to work out after discovering the exact fitness styles that I *love*. Let's be real, working out doesn't feel cute and it's hard to stay motivated with or without the cute sporty attire. For me, jogging or working out in flattering styles from Outdoor Voices (the 'tri-toned yellow', 'desert' and 'santa fe' colors are my favorites) or ultra comfy gear from Under Armour keeps me in the mode. If you feel like this could do the same for you, these might be worth checking out-- this/this/this/this (tops) and this/this/this/this (bottoms). I combed through a ton of athletic wear on Amazon to select the best styles at great prices.

7. I'll be completely candid and admit that sun exposure was a small reason why I would stave from running (lol am I a vampire yet?). I don't like running at night, but running in the mornings would mean that I'd have to apply sunscreen all over and, if you avoid the sun like the plague like me, again after showering. While I still begrudgingly apply sunscreen twice a day on my face, I've found the easiest solution for body screening is to wear clothing that offers UV protection. If you choose to run during the day with a high UV index, this top protects your arms and torso from potential sun damage.

8. Lastly, you have to remember how important it is to take it slow and steady. It's easy to get caught up in wanting to get it over with and go in quick spurts, but you're more likely to burn out that way. Find a good, breathable pace for yourself and stick to it.

And just like that, this stubborn non-runner is thinking of completing a 10K and possibly a half-marathon in the near future :)

I did not mean to put this update off for so long, but as you know, life and the holidays got in the way. I've been settling (back) into my skin and feeling at home again and I guess this mini hiatus was just me savoring the transition. I definitely go through these "transitions" quite often, but returning to my skin this time felt so gratifying after feeling out of place, confused, and unnerved for an entire year. I'm aware I mostly speak in code when it comes to writing about intimate life things, but this is the only way I feel I can communicate major updates while retaining my privacy in such an open, public space haha! Maybe balancing the two is another level of personal and comfort I've yet to uncover (and willing to explore in the near future).

ANYWAY. As good as this transition was for my soul, it was just as satisfying feeling renewed in terms of personal style. At the risk of sounding vacuous and wholly materialistic, I believe there's a strong correlation between knowing yourself and translating that into exhibiting your best style. For the past year, having felt lost and uninterested, I think that part of me also faded-- I didn't know how to fashion myself, pun intended. I'd stopped posting as much because truthfully, I wasn't consuming as much. Now, feeling like I'm coming over that hump and still knowing that I am this and that without the excess material, more than ever I'm steadfast in my style. A complete transparency unveiled.

I know it's still a little early for a reflection- maybe it was the small pause or it was the fact that I'd just hosted my first ever Thanksgiving dinner for my family that got me feeling all emotional (almost too publicly), but I figure we need to open ourselves up in order to genuinely connect, don't we? Thankful for you guys who are still here reading my half-formed rants and nonsense. Hope you all had a fulfilling Thanksgiving x

Not sure how something could look so cute but so mature at the same time, but the oblong bucket bag balances that just perfectly. It's sophisticated and casual, fun and elegant, relaxed yet sleek all at once. Without a doubt, my favorite bag silhouette for the past year and the one to come. (Ps whoa how did the end of the year creep up so quickly?)

And lastly, if I could splurge, I would:

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"Reinvent new combinations of what you already own. Become more creative. Not because you have to, but because you want to. I want everyone to wear what they want and mix it in their own way. That, to me, is what is modern." - Karl Lagerfield